Guess what? Today is my birthday! Well, probably not when you’re watching the video or reading this blog post, but for me right now. And here I am working!  But I always love sharing English stuff with you, so today on this special occasion, I’m going to tell you a little story with a birthday theme, and after that, I’ll look at some of the vocabulary, particularly the phrasal verbs and idioms I use.

Birthday Surprise

There’s a new person in your office, and she’s great, everyone loves her. She’s the life of the party. Her name is Rita.

You want to find out when Rita’s birthday is. Now, you could just ask her – so when is your birthday? But you decide to put your detective hat on, and you find out furtively. But why are you being so sneaky? Well, you are planning a surprise birthday party, in the office staff room.

Everyone in the office is sworn to secrecy. After all, it’s supposed to be a surprise! But there’s always a chance that someone will let the cat out of the bag. 

But it’s ok. Everyone has kept the secret. The big day is finally here and Rita has no idea what you’re planning. Everyone is brimming with excitement.

One person keeps Rita busy, so that others can put up the party decorationsin the staff room. There are balloons, streamers, and banners saying happy birthday Rita! And of course, a beautiful birthday cake, with lots of candles. What would a birthday party be without a birthday cake?

The whole office has chipped in to buy a present for Rita.

The time arrives, the lights are off and you are all crouched in the staff room. Rita walks in, someone turns on the lights and everyone shouts, Surprise! Happy Birthday Rita!

Rita is speechless. She looks taken aback.

Before she can say a word, you all start singing “Happy Birthday”. Then someone grabs her hand and takes her to the cake. “Blow out the candles!”, you all shout.

Poor Rita is flummoxed.

She says in a small voice, “but, it’s not my birthday”. Everyone looks at you. You were supposed to find out her birthday. You say “that’s the date that was on her driver’s license. I checked.”

Rita says, “um, I think I renewed my license at about this time last year” Oh no! You found the date of issue of her driver’s license, not her date of birth.

Vocabulary

Watch the video to learn the meaning of the following idioms, phrasal verbs and vocabulary.

Life of the party
Find out
Furtively
Sworn to secrecy
Let the cat out of the bag
Keep a secret
Brim with (something)
Put (something) up
Chip in
Taken aback
Blow out (something)
Flummoxed
Date of issue

If it’s your birthday today, Happy Birthday! Have a wonderful day. Comments and questions can be left under the video on YouTube.

Until next time!